A THUG who mugged a pensioner in a Bolton street was chased by a passer-by as he ran away from the scene.

The thief then dropped the bag he had stolen in his desperation to escape.

A reward for information leading to his capture is now being offered under the Greater Manchester Police Crimestoppers scheme.

The attack is the latest in an increasing spate of thefts from local pensioners on the streets of the town.

The 79-year-old woman became the latest victim as she was walking along Settle Street, Great Lever, at 10.40am last Monday.

She was knocked to the ground by the thug who ran up behind her and grabbed her handbag. The thug was then chased by a member of the public.

The pensioner - who was left deeply shocked and distressed by the incident - also suffered severe bruising.

Police have released a description of the man they are hunting in connection with the Crime. He is white, aged about 20, 6ft tall with short dark hair. He was wearing a blue long-sleeved jumper and blue or dark trousers or jeans.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Crimestoppers on the free phone number 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence.

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